Just as when sad, we tend to steer towards comfort food even when we’re on edge. This is an unhealthy ways to cope with pressure and anxiety, as the body frequently craves precisely the foods that exacerbate the condition. People tend to crave foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt because those directly increase our cortisol levels.

Chocolate and sweets

Sugar only contributes to higher levels of stress hormones. The blood sugar and insulin spikes that accompany the consumption of refined sugar can also lead to crashes, irritability and increased food cravings.

Spicy foods

Steer away from spicy foods as while you are stressed you will not be able to process food as well, because of a slowed-down metabolism. This can lead to acid reflux, and spicy food then could make that worse.

Energy drinks

Full of caffeine and sugar, energy drinks and caffeinated colas are some of the worst foods for stress. The combination of caffeine jitters and the sugar crash can be taxing on your body, adding stress.

Coffee drinks

Sweet coffee drinks — like vanilla lattes and mochas, which are made with sugary syrups and espresso — can also increase stress levels. Getting a sugary coffee drink when you have lots to do, can make you highly agitated, even more so than before.

Gum and sugar-free candies

Eating chewing gum and artificially sweetened candies could exacerbate stress-related digestive issues, which can in turn lead to irritability.

Processed foods

High in sodium, fat and artificial additives (not to mention that they add little-to-no nutritional value), the processed foods we turn to for a little comfort can actually increase stress levels.

Alcohol

Alcohol stimulates the release of cortisol, and alcohol and stress feed each other. Instead of alcohol dampening the emotional effects of stress, stress will actually reduce the intoxicating effects of alcohol.